Overcoming the Addiction Crisis: Rep. Maloney, Elected Officials, Advocates Highlight Need for Treatment Funding and the CARE Act

Statement

Today, Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney joined elected officials and advocates to discuss the need for passage of the Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency (CARE) Act to continue our nation's fight against the addiction crisis. Re-introduced in December with Senators Elizabeth Warren and Tammy Baldwin, along with Representatives Ann Kuster and David Trone, and more than 100 congressional Democrats, the CARE Act is the most ambitious legislation ever introduced in Congress to confront America's addiction crisis. Congresswoman Maloney and Senator Warren's CARE Act, which is endorsed by over 175 organizations, would provide state and local governments and community-based organizations with $125 billion in federal funding over ten years to expand access to treatment, harm reduction, and wraparound services.

Under the CARE Act, residents of New York City could benefit from approximately $48.4 million dollars in annual, formula-based funding directed to local governments to expand access to treatment, harm reduction, and wraparound services. In addition, community-based organizations in New York City could receive a share of $1.5 billion in annual grants, and local governments in New York City are eligible to apply for a share of an additional $3 billion in competitive grants each year.

In 2020, more than 2,000 people experienced fatal overdoses in New York City--an increase of more than 500 fatal overdoses from 2019.

"Last year, approximately 275 people in the United States were lost each day to fatal overdoses. This crisis has touched every community in the United States--including ours right here in New York City," said Rep. Maloney."That is why Senator Elizabeth Warren and I led more than 100 of our colleagues in reintroducing the CARE Act. Now more than ever, the federal government must step up and provide our communities with the sustained funding to expand treatment access and turn the tide on this epidemic."

"The uncertainty and economic impact of the pandemic has only intensified our nation's opioid epidemic," said Rep. Ritchie Torres. "The South Bronx saw the largest increase in overdose deaths in the last year of anywhere in New York City. Every day that we do not act is another day that our communities will continue to needlessly suffer. It is long past time for the federal government to provide resources and treatment for substance abuse disorders. I am proud to support Chairwoman Maloney in taking bold action to address this growing public health crisis."

"After the deadliest year yet in the ongoing overdose crisis, the CARE Act will surge federal resources for proven harm reduction services and other crucial programs to support people struggling with substance use disorder," said Assemblywoman Emily Gallagher. "I know the pain of losing someone you love to a preventable overdose. While this funding cannot bring back those we've lost, it can and will save lives in the future. I commend Representative Maloney and Senator Warren for their leadership and urge Congressional leaders to swiftly pass this measure."

"Someone dies of a drug overdose in New York City every four hours. The CARE Act will provide critical federal funding and attention to the overdose epidemic, and support harm reduction and treatment services that will help save lives," said Dr. Michael McRae, Acting Executive Deputy Commissioner for Mental Hygiene of the New York City Health Department. "I thank Congresswoman Maloney for her leadership regarding this critical issue."

 "For far too long, even before the COVID-19 pandemic, local health departments in our nation's largest cities and counties, have been fighting the overdose crisis with one hand tied behind their backs," said Chrissie Juliano, MPP, Executive Director of the Big Cities Health Coalition. "Too few federal resources have reached the people and the programs on the ground that are integral to preventing substance use disorder and overdose deaths. The CARE Act can change that by providing resources to local communicates, including federal funds and increased access to Naloxone. We look forward to working with both Houses of Congress to pass this important legislation."

"As a psychologist, I am proud to be part of the team on the front lines of New York City's addiction crisis, working in our courts, hospitals and correctional facilities. During the pandemic, substance abuse and mental health services are more urgently needed than ever. Representative Maloney's bill would give me and other behavioral health professionals more tools to help more people. In addition to sustained funding, the CARE Act emphasizes a comprehensive approach to treatment that includes residential recovery housing and job training. I urge Congress to act on this legislation, which would empower us to deliver the quality care our communities deserve," said Leonard Davidman, PhD., President AFSCME Local 1189.

"The record breaking number of overdose deaths is unacceptable. We are losing 15 people a day to preventable overdoses across our state, and fatal overdoses increased by 43% in New York City in just one year," said Hiawatha Collins, Chair for VOCAL-NY's board of directors. "Unless the federal government takes urgent action to course correct the decades of harmful and racist policies of the war on drugs, which we know as the war on people, and truly invests in a sustainable infrastructure of harm reduction and care -- there is no doubt every year will continue to break records. Congress must heed our calls for urgency and pass the CARE Act."

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